Salt Striker combo

[STEVENS1920]

I am gonna get one of the Salt Striker bait feeder spinning combos. This set-up will primarily be for flats,and maybe a back-up for channels. So my question is, should I go with the SBF-45 or jump up to the bigger SBR-65? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

P.S. I know I should jump up to a bait casting set-up, but since I over-spent on ice gear this year, I am stuck within a smaller budget!

[Scott K]

I have the 55 and like it.

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

ya I have the 65 and looove it.

[STEVENS1920]

I have the 55 and like it.

Yeah, I would get the 55, but they are sold out, and it doesn't look like they will be making it any more. (says item not available for backorder)

[STEVENS1920]

ya I have the 65 and looove it.

You think it's too big for a back-up shore fishin for channels?

[crazyice]

Well, I wouldn't think you would ever get spooled by a channel with that reel!

[aanderud]

Personally, I think the 65 is too big of a reel, even for flatheads or sturgeon. The thing weighs more than twice as much as a garcia 6500c3 casting reel, and significantly more than a 7000c3 even! 24+ ounces - ouch. If it's ALWAYS in a rod holder, maybe not a problem. I know that when sturgeon fishing I like holding the rod, so this one wouldn't pull double duty well at all.

I'd try to find a 50 series okuma or striker, even settling on a cheaper avenger before going with the larger size epixor (which is what the salt strikers are modelled after).

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

I used it on my heavy rod for deep water fishing. Aanderud is right its a big reel that weighs a bit. I dont usually sit and hold it so that doesn't matter. To answer you questions yes if you were to basically for channels it would be a bit to big. Now as a doubling rod in the way of both species I would. There is nothing to big if you like the feel of it.

[ec30_06]

I think you could pick up a bait casting combo for less than the salt striker combo if you look around for some sales or lightly used gear.

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

Take a look at Gander they normally have some decent deals going on.

[River Runner Z]

they have a Penn 320 GT combo the rod is a liitle long but you can beat the price of the reel For 79 or they have a abu agrcia 6600cb on a cabelas king kat rod for 89 i would check out cabelas comobos if you really want a baitcaster you can probabally get one for not much more than you are looking at spending

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

river ow long have you been in AV.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I came to the conclusion that the Okuma ABF-55 was the perfect size for Channels and even Flatheads. The 65 series in all of the models being discussed were too big for my liking and I will stick to my 6600C4 for the big boys.